Program: Austin City Limits with Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: Sunday, August 2

Viewers in Austin will get an early look at a very special new episode of AUSTIN CITY LIMITS featuring Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel, which was taped earlier this year for ACL’s 35th anniversary season. The new episode marks the first time the two recording legends have shared the ACL stage, though both have performed many times separately in the show’s 35-year history. The sneak peek event will air on KLRU-TV in Austin on August 2 at 7:00 pm as part of the PBS channel’s summer pledge drive. It’s the only chance to see the broadcast until it airs nationally on November 14.

Longtime fans of the show might recall that Willie Nelson appeared on the original pilot episode for AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, recorded in October 1974, and Asleep at the Wheel appeared on the first episode of the first official season in 1976. This new episode finds Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performing songs from their recently released Willie and The Wheel (**** Rolling Stone) as well as classics like “On the Road Again” and “Always on my Mind.”

Viewers making a pledge during the special August 2 broadcast between 7:00 and 9:30 pm will receive Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel thank you gifts, including a limited number of ticket packages to see Asleep at the Wheel at the famed Lukenbach Dance Hall on August 8th.

Additionally KLRU-TV is giving away 100 pairs of tickets to a special simulcast of the August 10 AUSTIN CITY LIMITS taping featuring the Dave Matthews Band. Anyone pledging a gift of $100 or more during the first weekend of the pledge drive will be automatically entered for a chance to receive two tickets.

The 35th anniversary season of AUSTIN CITY LIMITS premieres nationally on October 3 with Dave Matthews Band. Other performers in the new season include Kenny Chesney, Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello, Ben Harper and Relentless7 and more.